Oliver Beach Elementary Students Honor Retiring Principal

MIDDLE RIVER, Md. (WJZ) — It was the last day of school at Oliver Beach Elementary in Baltimore County, so the students decided to do something special for their principal, who’s retiring.

Ron Matz has more on the memories made in Middle River Monday morning.

First there were tears and then the applause. Mary Ann Rigopolous couldn’t believe what was happening: a salute by dozens of students, parents and teachers on her final day as principal of Oliver Beach Elementary School.

“This is my last day with the boys and girls in Baltimore County public schools. I can’t think of a better school to retire from than Oliver Beach Elementary School,” Rigopolous said.

“She’s the best principal I could ever ask for. She’s done everything to help us. She’s very trustworthy,” said fifth-grader Kara Smith.

“I’m going to miss the boys and girls, the teachers, parents and staff. This is a wonderful place to be. I’m going to miss the people,” Rigopolous said.

“It’s so bittersweet. I’m so happy for her for the years she’s put in for Baltimore County but we are truly going to miss her. She’s an amazing asset to the county and to Oliver Beach in particular,” said teacher Barbara Cosgrove.

Rigopolous began her career as a substitute teacher in Baltimore County. She retires as principal of the school she loves.

“I’ve been at Oliver Beach for 15 years. It’s wonderful. The community, the parents and grandparents are very supportive and we work together,” she said. “Right now, I’m going to sit home this summer and relax a little bit. Then we’re going to start traveling. I have relatives in Australia and I hope I have the opportunity to go see them.”

She served as principal of Oliver Beach Elementary School for 15 years.

Ron Matz is an Emmy award-winning reporter who joined the Eyewitness News team in 1993.
During that time, Ron has covered some of the biggest stories in Baltimore. including Pope John Paul II's visit to Baltimore in October 1995, Hurricane Isabel...